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Faber wants better defense from Ridgeland-Hardeeville boys

Yes, Ridgeland-Hardeeville’s boys basketball team began the week on a two-game winning streak after beating SCHSL Region 6-AA opponents Academic Magnet and North Charleston, but Faber expects more.

The Jaguars coach believes his team is the best in the region and wants the players to prove it.

“It’s a lack of effort,” Faber said. “We need to change the mind-set and concentrate on defense. We are not selling out. There are too many kids thinking about offense.”

On Jan. 7, RHHS topped host Academic Magnet 71-53. The Jaguars were led by Terrance Frazier’s 18 points and C.J. Mitchell’s 17 points. Mitchell was 7 of 12 shooting. Richard Garvin led the team with eight rebounds.

As a team, the Jaguars shot 54 percent from the field and held Academic Magnet to 37 percent shooting. Nazair Wilson had six assists and four steals.

In a 56-42 home win Jan. 10 against North Charleston, Frazier scored 18 points, including four 3-pointers.

The Jaguars got balanced scoring, with Mitchell adding nine points, Trenard Ferrell scoring eight points and Kevon Williams and De Vante Robinson each scoring seven points. Ferrell and Frazier led the team with six rebounds each.

Faber planned at Monday night’s practice to emphasis several things, including taking charges, helping on defense, not letting players cut across the defender’s face and rebounding.

The Jaguars (6-4, 3-1 region) have taken one charge all season.

“We’ve got to improve on the defensive end,” Faber said.

The Jaguars’ win at Academic Magnet was one of the team’s best games, according to Faber. He said it wasn’t surprising the strong effort came on the road. He said too often at home the players want to impress their friends or relatives.

“We play better on the road,” he said. “We play team ball. We share the ball. We came back home and struggle and it’s the influence from the bleachers.”

Faber said it’s not that the players are taking instructions from the fans, but they are looking to make highlight-reel plays.

“We want to please our mom, our parents, our uncle,” Faber said. “On offense, you can only have so many heroes.”

Faber’s been pleased with Frazier, Mitchell and D.J. Myers, Those seniors know his system and Faber expects them to get everybody on the same page.

Myers recently was inserted into the starting lineup for his toughness.